TWENTY-SECOND WEEK.—TUESDAY. — Morning

ALMIGHTY and Eternal Lord God, whose kingdom is everlasting and power infinite, have mercy upon us, and assist us, that we may worship Thee in an acceptable manner.

We acknowledge ourselves to be most unworthy; and pray that our souls may be deeply humbled under a sense of thy majesty and our sinfulness. Subdue within us all self-righteous feelings, and every desire contrary to the spirit of true worship. Create within us new, contrite, and believing hearts, that we may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness of all our sins.

We confess that we can render no true and laudable service to Thee, nor engage in any undertaking to our profit and to thy honour, unless we are taught and strengthened by thy good Spirit. Do Thou, therefore, O God of all wisdom, graciously behold us now in thy presence. Instruct us in the duties of our calling. Show the way in which Thou wouldest have us go. Strengthen us to overcome every difficulty, hindrance, and temptation that may be in our path. Help us to guard against all carelessness of mind, looseness of thought, impropriety of speech, manner, and disposition.

We praise Thee for thy revealed will, and seek grace that we may profit by the lessons it is designed to teach, and be enabled to regulate our lives by its precepts and spirit. Grant that the misconduct of thy ancient people, their punishments, and every instance of thy forbearance and love towards them, may induce in our souls a holy caution and fear lest we resist thy rule. Deliver us from the love of unholy pleasures and pursuits, and from the innumerable dangers which surround us. Keep us from uniting at any time with the multitude in rebelling against thy authority, and in resisting those whom Thou hast in thy wisdom appointed to rule, guide, and instruct us. Grant that in dependence upon Thee, we may diligently cultivate a spirit of ready obedience and submission to thy rule. May we never restrain thy work in our souls, or in those of thy servants, but fervently pray that all may be richly endowed with heavenly gifts, and that thy spirit may abide upon them, qualifying them for every good word and work. That we may be preserved in thy fear this day, help us to live in dependence upon Thee. Leave us not to ourselves, but strengthen us from on high, and prosper all our ways.

We ask these favours, and every other which thou seest we need, not in our own name, or because of any merit in us, but in the name and for the sake of our only Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.